Renault to sell Arkana in Europe with hybrid powertrain

PARIS -- Renault is expanding its SUV range in Europe with the Arkana, a coupe-styled compact SUV first launched in Russia and South Korea.

Th Arkana will go on sale in the first quarter of next year with an optional version of Renault’s E-Tech hybrid powertrain, and new "micro-hybrid" gasoline engines.

Renault did not release prices or emissions data. The Arkana will be imported into Europe from Renault Group’s factory in Busan, South Korea. 

The Arkana will use the same 140 hp hybrid powertrain introduced for the Renault Clio small hatchback this year, rather than the plug-in version used in the Renault Captur small SUV and Megane compact hatchback.

Renault says the E-Tech hybrid lowers emissions by 40 percent overall, and allows for 80 percent of urban driving in full-electric mode.

A 1.3-liter direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine will be available with 140 hp or 160 hp. Both versions will have a 12-volt “micro-hybrid” alternator/starter, powered by an auxiliary battery under the passenger seat.

Renault says the micro-hybrid works with the engine in high-consumption phases, smooths stop/start performance and can regenerate energy during deceleration.

Renault says the Arkana is the first mass-market coupe-styled SUV in Europe. The body style was pioneered by German premium brands with the BMW X6 and X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE Coupes, Porsche Cayenne Coupe and Audi  Q3 Sportback. 

The Arkana is similar in dimensions to the Renault Kadjar, although at 4,568 mm it is 80 mm longer. It is 1,821 mm wide and 1,571 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,720.

The Arkana also gets a different interior than the Kadjar, similar to the latest Clio and Captur, with a digital instrument panel (in three sizes, depending on trim) and vertically oriented 9/3-inch central screen (on top trim levels) or horizontal 7-inch screen.

Trunk space is listed as 513 liters for internal-combustion models and 438 for hybrid versions. The rear seat folds forward to create an open cargo area. 

The Arkana is a global model for Renault Group. It is closely related to the Kadjar compact SUV which Renault Group builds on the Renault-Nissan alliance CMF platform in Palencia, Spain. The Kadjar itself is a sibling model to the Nissan Qashqai compact SUV.

Renault first launched the Arkana body style in 2019 in Russia, where it was shown at the 2018 Moscow auto  show. The Russian model is assembled at Renault’s Moscow factory on a longer version of the Dacia Duster platform, similar to the Kaptur sold in Russia.

The CMF-based version of the Arkana went on sale this year in South Korea as the Renault-Samsung XM3 Inspire. It is built in the group’s Busan factory.

In April, Renault said the Arkana was the fastest-selling new model ever for its Korean brand, with more than 22,000 orders and 10,000 deliveries in 49 days.